Christmas Eve 2020

Some people find reasons to complain on Christmas.

Herod

Matthew 2:2–3 ESV

saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him;

Herod’s Reasons...

Competition

Felt threatened

Jealous

Our Reasons...

Too commercialized

Too materialistic

The hustle and bustle

Have to be around family

Can’t be around family

COVID-19 regulations and restrictions

Maybe you have another reason to complain…

Some people find reasons to celebrate Christmas.

The Magi

Matthew 2:9–10 ESV

After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

The Magi’s reasons…

It was about the birth of the King of Kings (v. 2a)

It was about worshipping Jesus (v. 2b, 11)

They found great joy in Jesus (v. 10)

We have these same reasons if we are in Christ.

Is Jesus really your reason this season?

Are you worshipping Christ or “Christmas”?

Do you realize that Jesus is the only true source of joy?

If we focus on our circumstances, we will find reasons to complain. If that’s what we are doing, Christmas will only amplify the stress.

In contrast, if we focus on Christ during Christmas, we will have endless reasons to celebrate this Christmas season.

The Magi are also called wisemen because they wisely chose to celebrate the coming of Christ at Christmas.